Dynamics of the Party System by James L. Sundquist
What is a realignment? What are the causes of realignment? What is the impact of a realignment on the party system (see chapters 2-3)?
The realignments around the slavery issue in the 1850s and the New Deal in the 1930s are considered the classic examples of realignment? What were the causes and outcome of the realignment in each case? Did any particular groups alter their partisan allegiance during these realignments? Did any new groups mobilize during these realigning periods (see chapters 4-5, 10)?
Did the "Reagan Revolution" constitute a realignment? Are we currently experiencing a realignment toward the Republicans? Why or why not? See chapter 18 of Sundquist as well as Lublin's graph of partisan shifts by region in Congress.
How can one differentiate between realignment and shifts in voting behavior from election to election?
Why have no realignments since the 1860s resulted in the replacement of one of the two major political parties?
Campaign Politics and Realignment in the South by James M. Glaser
Why did the Republicans fail to make gains for so long in congressional elections
despite their dominance in presidential elections?
Why did the Republicans finally make strong gains in congressional elections in 1994?
The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the American University. If you have any questions about this page, please email David Lublin at dlublin@american.edu. This page was last updated on December 27, 1999.